Clinical thermometer



Aug. 2, 1927. c. E Bum CLINICAL THERMOMETEH Filed Dec 2, 1926 v Invemar 67 E Fred Z Patented Aug. 2, 1927.

UNITED STATES CHARLES E. BREIDT, or MAHANOY orrY. PENNSYLVANIA.

CLINICAL THERMOMETER.

Application filed December 2, 1926. Serial No. 152,172. r

This invention relates to an improved clinical thermometer including a casing forming a container for an antiseptic solution, in which the thermometer is immersed when not in use.

My principal aim is to provide an exceptionally simple and inexpensive thermometer of this character such as will prevent leakage of the antiseptic solution, both when it is carried in the pocket or laid upon a table or the like.

More specifically, I propose to provide a clinical thermometer of this character which includes a casing forming a container for the antiseptic solution, together with a special fitting carried by the open end of the casing and constructed to accommodate a compressible packing disc constructed to snugly contact the thermometer to act as a wiper to prevent undue dripping, etc.

The most significant structural detail of the invention is an improved spring closed valve which is provided for cooperation with the central opening in the packing disc, this valve serving to aid in the maintenance of the thermometer and serving to prevent leakage of the antiseptic solution from the casing even after the thermometer is removed from the casing and inserted into the mouth of the patient.

Other structural features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawing.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a view in section and elevation of a complete thermometer constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a detail view of the washer or packing disc.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the special door carrying bushing.

Referring to the drawing in detail it will be seen that the reference character 1 designates a hollow cylindrical casing serving as a container for a quantity of antiseptic solution or the like 2. The upper end of this casing is constructed to provide a reduced externally screw threaded neck 3 having a central restricted bore through which the thermometer 4 passes in a manner to permit it to be immersed in the liquid. Screwed onto the neck 6 is a special fitting 5 which has its outer end reduced as at 6 spring is anchored upon the bushing in any appropriate manner and bears against the under side of the valve for automatically closing it as soon as the thermometer is pulled out. ing and the bottom of the socket formed in the fitting 5 is a compressible rubber washer .or disc 13 having a substantially triangular opening at its center fitting snugly about and in scraping contact with the thermometer. This literally acts as a wiper during the Withdrawal and insertion of the thermometer.

Particular attention is invited to the special fitting 5 which is constructed to fit tightly upon the reduced screw threaded neck 3 to provide a space between itself and the end of said neck in order to accommodate both the door carrying bushing 9, and the compressible washer 13. Naturally as the thermometer is withdrawn, it allows the spring to immediately close the valve against the compressible Washer, thus making a tight closure to guard against displacement of the antiseptic liquid when the thermometer is in use. This makes it convenient to carry the thermometer in a medical satchel and allows it to be placed on the table even after the thermometer proper is with drawn. It will be seen that from this construction, a comparatively slight addition is made in the cost of production, but this is more than overcome by the increased usefulness in the provision of a dependable sterilizing thermometer. A device of this kind is altogether a step forward in science and the art of sanitation It is thought however that it is unnecessary to enumerate the various medical advantages that accompany a device of this kind. Moreover the construction and use is clear from the description and drawings, a more lengthy description is thought to be unnecessary.

Interposed between this bush- While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming Within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, What I claim is In a clinical thermometer of the class described, a casing constructed to provide a container for sterilizing fluid, said casing being further constructed at one end to provide a reduced screw threaded neck having abore serving as a, passage for awt-hermometer, a, special fitting threaded onto said neck, said fitting. being provided with a socket, the bottom of which is spaced from the adjacent end of said neck, a bushing fitting into said socket, a spring" pressed valve carried by said bushing", said fitting being provided With a bore With which said vaive 20 is cooperabie, and apacking disc interposed between the bottom of said socket and the adjacent end ofsaid bushing, said valve being; cooperable with said packing.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CHARLES E. BREDT. 

